Rolfing® Structural Integration involves deep tissue massage aimed at relieving stress and improving mobility, posture, balance, muscle function and efficiency, energy, and overall well being. Practitioners apply slow-moving pressure with their knuckles, thumbs, fingers, elbows, and knees to the muscles, tissue around the muscles, and other soft tissues. Rolfing® Structural Integration, also called somatic ontology, concentrates on opposing muscle groups, such as the biceps and triceps in the upper arms.

The methods used in Rolfing® were developed in the 1950s by Dr. Ida P. Rolf, based on the belief that imbalances in body structure can be corrected by manipulating the soft tissue networks of muscle, fascia, tendons, and ligaments. In 1971, Rolf founded The Rolf Institute of Structure Integration in Boulder, CO, which currently owns rights to the registered mark Rolfing®. However though the term rolfing is also used for various therapies based on the teachings of Rolf.

Rolfing® Structural Integration is based on the belief that the tissues surrounding muscles become stiff and thickened with age, leading to musculoskeletal dysfunction and misalignment of the body. By working the muscles and muscle tissue, practitioners aim to improve these problems.

Practitioners assert that people who undergo this therapy will experience improved alignment, increased comfort with movement, and increased body awareness in space. The Rolfing® technique focuses on harmonizing balance and support in the gravitational field.

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

GRADE *

Structural Integration may help treat anxiety, although early research is unclear. Further research is needed.

C

Rolfing® Structural Integration may improve movement slightly in cerebral palsy patients. More studies are needed to confirm these possible benefits.

C

Rolfing® Structural Integration may benefit cardiovascular endurance in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Patients showed improvement in overall well being. However, larger well-designed studies are needed to confirm these results.

C

Rolfing® might improve pelvic tilt in healthy patients, suggesting that other low back disorders may benefit from Rolfing®. More studies are needed to show that Rolfing® Structural Integration can effectively treat back pain and other back disorders.

C

Early study suggests that Rolfing® may benefit stress-induced musculoskeletal disorders.

C

* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this useB: Good scientific evidence for this useC: Unclear scientific evidence for this useD: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Safety
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Rolfing® Structural Integration is generally believed to be safe in most people. However, Rolfing® should not be used as the sole therapeutic approach to disease, and it should not delay the time it takes to speak with a health care provider about a potentially severe condition.

Because Rolfing® involves deep manipulation of tissues, some people should avoid this technique, including those with broken bones, severe osteoporosis, disease of the spine or vertebral disks, skin damage or wounds, tooth abscesses, bleeding disorders, stenoses, strictures, varicose veins, phlebitis, or blood clots in areas being manipulated.

People taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin®) should also avoid Rolfing® Structural Integration. People with joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or aortic aneurisms should speak with their health care provider if considering Rolfing®.

People who have had procedures or diseases affecting the abdomen, kidneys, liver, or intestines should speak with their health care provider before starting Rolfing®. Patients with infectious conditions, including candidal infections, should also use caution with Rolfing®. There is a report that deep tissue massage moved a ureteral stent out of its proper position. Patients who have just received cortisone shots or who are on chronic cortisone therapy should avoid Rolfing®.

Patients with connective tissue disorders such as osteomyleitiis, lupus, or scleroderma should use Rolfing® cautiously.

Patients with certain diseases (such as Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, or any form of cancer), high blood pressure, or diabetes should seek medical advice before undergoing Rolfing®.

Some certified Rolfing® practitioners discourage structural integration services in people with psychosis or bipolar disorder, and suggest that therapy may cause the release of suppressed memories of severe emotional anguish.

Pregnant women should avoid Rolfing®, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy. It has also been suggested that Rolfing® be used cautiously in women who are menstruating.

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.